Arkansas gives a lively outside experience for all, no matter their abilities. Its rich wildlife and mixed landscapes provide lots of chances for those who want to bond with nature and chase a unique outside adventure.
In 2024, Arkansas presents diverse ways to join, like archery, contemporary weapons, and other gear. Explorers have various zones to discover, all with their unique traits and laws. Enjoy the tough landscape of the Ouachita Mountains or the wide Delta? Arkansas provides numerous places to check out.
Arkansas isn’t just grand outdoor fun. It’s home to picturesque landscapes, friendly towns, and tasty local food, this state has a bit of everything.
AR Deer Schedule 2024-2025
Early Buck Archery: Sept. 7-9, 2024
Archery: Sept. 28, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025
Alternative Firearms: Oct. 19-27, Dec. 14-16, 2024
Special Youth Modern Gun Hunt: Nov. 2-3, 2024, Jan. 4-5, 2025
Christmas Holiday Hunt: Dec. 26-28, 2024
Modern Gun: Nov. 9-Dec. 1, Dec. 26-28, 2024
Zone-Specific Dates and Regulations:
- Zone 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11:
- Early Buck Archery: Sept. 7-9, 2024
- Archery: Sept. 28, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025
- Alternative Firearms: Oct. 19-27, Dec. 14-16, 2024
- Special Youth Modern Gun: Nov. 2-3, 2024, Jan. 4-5, 2025
- Christmas Holiday Hunt: Dec. 26-28, 2024
- Modern Gun: Nov. 9-Dec. 1, Dec. 26-28, 2024
- Bag Limit: 5 (2 bucks max)
- Notes: CWD regulations apply in some zones. Button bucks don’t count toward buck limit.
- Zone 4:
- Early Buck Archery: Sept. 7-9, 2024
- Archery: Sept. 28, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025
- Special Youth Modern Gun: Nov. 2-3, 2024, Jan. 4-5, 2025
- Christmas Holiday Hunt: Dec. 26-28, 2024
- Modern Gun: Nov. 9-17, Dec. 26-28, 2024
- Bag Limit: 3 (2 bucks max)
- Notes: CWD management zone applies in some counties. Button bucks count toward buck limit outside CWD zone.
- Zone 4A:
- Early Buck Archery: Sept. 7-9, 2024
- Archery: Sept. 28, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025
- Alternative Firearms: Oct. 19-27, Dec. 21-23, 2024
- Special Youth Modern Gun: Nov. 2-3, 2024, Jan. 4-5, 2025
- Christmas Holiday Hunt: Dec. 26-28, 2024
- Modern Gun: Nov. 9-Dec. 8, Dec. 26-28, 2024
- Bag Limit: 3 (2 bucks max)
- Notes: Legal bucks must have 3 points on one side. Button bucks count toward buck limit.
- Zone 5:
- Early Buck Archery: Sept. 7-9, 2024
- Archery: Sept. 28, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025
- Special Youth Modern Gun: Nov. 2-3, 2024, Jan. 4-5, 2025
- Christmas Holiday Hunt: Dec. 26-28, 2024
- Modern Gun: Nov. 9-17, Dec. 26-28, 2024
- Bag Limit: 3 (2 bucks max)
- Notes: CWD management zone applies in Craighead County.
- Zone 5A:
- Early Buck Archery: Sept. 7-9, 2024
- Archery: Sept. 28, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025
- Alternative Firearms: Oct. 19-27, Dec. 21-23, 2024
- Special Youth Modern Gun: Nov. 2-3, 2024, Jan. 4-5, 2025
- Christmas Holiday Hunt: Dec. 26-28, 2024
- Modern Gun: Nov. 9-Dec. 8, Dec. 26-28, 2024
- Bag Limit: 3 (2 bucks max)
- Notes: Legal bucks must have 3 points on one side.
- Zone 9:
- Early Buck Archery: Sept. 7-9, 2024
- Archery: Sept. 28, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025
- Alternative Firearms: Oct. 19-27, 2024
- Special Youth Modern Gun: Nov. 2-3, 2024, Jan. 4-5, 2025
- Christmas Holiday Hunt: Dec. 26-28, 2024
- Modern Gun: Nov. 9-Dec. 15, Dec. 26-28, 2024
- Bag Limit: 4 (2 bucks max)
- Notes: CWD management zone in Jackson County. Button bucks count outside CWD zone.
- Zone 12, 13, 14, 15:
- Early Buck Archery: Sept. 7-9, 2024
- Archery: Sept. 28, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025
- Alternative Firearms: Oct. 19-27, 2024
- Special Youth Modern Gun: Nov. 2-3, 2024, Jan. 4-5, 2025
- Christmas Holiday Hunt: Dec. 26-28, 2024
- Modern Gun: Nov. 9-Dec. 15, Dec. 26-28, 2024
- Bag Limit: 5 (2 bucks max)
- Notes: Dogs allowed, CWD rules in some counties.
- Zone 16, 16A, 17:
- Early Buck Archery: Sept. 7-9, 2024
- Archery: Sept. 28, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025
- Alternative Firearms: Oct. 19-27, 2024
- Special Youth Modern Gun: Nov. 2-3, 2024, Jan. 4-5, 2025
- Christmas Holiday Hunt: Dec. 26-28, 2024
- Modern Gun: Nov. 9, 2024 – Dec. 28, 2024
- Bag Limit: 4-5 (2 bucks max)
- Notes: Dogs allowed in some zones. CWD rules in some counties.
Arkansas Deer Hunting Regulations Summary
Deer Population and Hunting History
- Almost 1 million white-tailed creatures call Arkansas home.
- Folks enjoy outdoor activities that involve these animals.
- Plus, it’s a good way to control the deer numbers. Back in the 1920s, there weren’t many of them because people were too involved.
- But, restocking efforts and wildlife refuges changed that. They helped increase the number of deer.
Checking a Deer for a Youth Hunter
- Kids need a Youth Conservation ID (YCID) item with deer tags.
- You can get the YCID item at no cost on the AGFC’s online license platform.
Identification Requirements at Deer Camps, Processors, and Taxidermists
- Every part of the stored animal needs to be clearly labeled. It should have details like the participant’s name, customer ID, address, date, species, and check number.
Giving Away Deer
- Sharing a Deer is also allowed. But, you must add details about the situation, the receiver when giving away your harvest.
Checking Deer Harvested on Public Land
- You can locate these in the WMA rule book. When you complete your deer check-in, a confirmation code is given. Keep this. You might need it down the road.
Saving Confirmation Numbers
- You will receive a confirmation code after checking your deer. Store this number for future reference.
Urban Bowhunts
- The AGFC teams up with towns to set up unique urban bowhunts to manage deer crowds.
- Each participant needs to finish the Global Bowhunter Education course.
- Reach out to the appropriate group for details on particular hunts.
Tagging & Reporting
Online/App (Option 1):
- Fastest and easiest method.
- Requires internet or cell service at the time of harvest.
- Check your deer via the AGFC website or mobile app.
- Confirmation will be sent via email and app inbox.
Tag and Phone Check (Option 2):
- More traditional method, good for areas with limited connectivity.
- Jot down details on the label from your permit (or use a blank sheet).
- Fasten this ticket to the creature’s ear or horn. Dial a given line (833-289-2469) or checking the AGFC website needs to be performed within half a day of capturing your prey.
- Note the confirmation number on your tag.
Important Notes for Both Options:
- Every piece of the hunted animal should stick together till it’s stored finally, including when in transit.
- The animal’s gender proof must stay unaltered until verified.
- Even though the animal might get split up into quarters on-site, its head should hang around close.
- Special rules are there for moving game from the CWD Management Zone.
Arkansas Deer Hunting Licenses
| License Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Resident | |
| Combination Sportsman’s License (CS) | $35.50 |
| Resident Sportsman’s License (RS) | $25.00 |
| Resident Wildlife Conservation License (HNT) | $10.50 |
| General WMA Hunter Use Permit (WMP) | Free |
| 65-Plus Lifetime License | $25.00 |
| 65-Plus Lifetime Combination License | $35.50 |
| Non-Expiring Lifetime Resident H&F Sportsman’s Permit | $1,000.00 |
| Resident 3-Year Disability License (RDH) | $25.00 |
| Resident 3-Year Disability Combination License (RDC) | $35.50 |
| Resident Natural State Lifetime Combination License and Permit | $500.00 |
| Non-Resident | |
| Nonresident Annual All Game License (NBG) | $410.00 |
| Nonresident Deer Licenses (various) | Vary |
| Nonresident Small Game License (NRH) | $110.00 |
Top Arkansas Deer Hunting Locations
n Arkansas, you’ll find an assortment of wildlife experiences, spanning both public and private lands. These places adapt to various hunting habits and tastes. Let’s explore some of the leading spots in the region:
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs):
- Ozark-St. Francis National Forest: With its wide range of wildlife and different landforms, it’s a hunter’s dream come true!
- Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) WMAs: These areas are well-cared-for and are awesome spots to hunt.
- Trusten Holder WMA is a place every hunter should visit. Here, you might even snag a trophy catch thanks to its high game population.
- Trusten Holder WMA: Known for its high density of game and the potential for trophy hunts.
- Don’t skip Gene Rush WMA! You’ll find ample hunting experiences, especially if large game is your thing.
- Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMA is a must-visit, too. It’s a treasure trove of various habitats, boosting a strong presence of game.
- Lastly, check out Moro Big Pine Natural Area WMA. It’s got both wooded and open areas, catering to different types of game hunting.
National Wildlife Refuges:
- Greers Ferry National Refuge: A spot famed for its deep-wooded areas. It offers numerous chances to encounter nature and its creatures.
- White River National Refuge: This Refuge boasts habitats ranging from lowland woods, wetlands to highland forests. All these support a lively ecosystem.
- Ouachita National Refuge: A favorite destination for deer spotting, hosting species typical to tough and wooded landscapes.
Private Lands:
- Ozark Mountains: Known for its tough terrain, the Ozark region hosts lots of private land leases. Wildlife buffs appreciate the wide range of animals here.
- Delta Region: This area is defined by flat lands and farming grounds. It’s renowned for its rich deer population and easy access to privately rented lands.
- Central Arkansas: Filled with woods and farms, this region offers plenty of choices for outside fun and viewing wildlife.
Author and Chief Editor at WikiDeer.Us
William Brantley, the lead writer and editor-in-chief at WikiDeer.Us, has more than ten years of deer hunting know-how. An outdoor enthusiast, William provides top recommendations, gear evaluation, and methods to assist hunters in sharpening their abilities and achieving fruitful pursuits.
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